No perverted Gospel!

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel–which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let him be eternally condemned!” (Galatians 1:6-8)

Galatians is thought the first letter written by the Apostle Paul. He wrote this letter to “churches in Galatia” in order to clarify the gospel message he first delivered to them. His clear gospel message that had brought them salvation was being ‘perverted’ by Jewish false teachers who claimed to be saved by faith in Christ, but wanted to add the keeping of Jewish law as a requirement for being a Christian. This teaching was pleasing to the Jews who had become Christians and was part of the motivation behind it. It seemed like a good idea in that the Jewish believers could continue to observe the law and would not suffer persecution from their family or nation.

Paul opened this letter with a strong statement about anyone who would pervert the gospel: “let him be eternally condemned!” A false gospel cannot save! Teaching a false gospel sends those who follow it to eternal condemnation! Adding the keeping of the law and circumcision would bring condemnation of failure and nullify the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation by God’s grace!

We must guard the gospel message carefully, for in it is the power of God for salvation! (Romans 1:16) Be on guard against a ‘perverted gospel’! It is by grace alone through faith in Christ alone that we are saved!